Synonym Chooser

How does the verb concede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concede are accord, award, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can accord take the place of concede?

The synonyms accord and concede are sometimes interchangeable, but accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can award be used instead of concede?

In some situations, the words award and concede are roughly equivalent. However, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is it sensible to use grant instead of concede?

The meanings of grant and concede largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

When could vouchsafe be used to replace concede?

The words vouchsafe and concede can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concede Asked Sunday whether the Trump administration has conceded that a constitutional amendment would be the only way for Trump to seek a third term in office, Bondi repeated a sentiment expressed by Bream just moments earlier. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025 Gallese had his first shutout of the season for Orlando City (3-2-2) after conceding 11 goals. Tribune Wire Services, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025 Riggs' supporters have held rallies urging Griffin to concede, accusing him of trying to reverse a lawful election result. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 However, Barcelona have scored 20 goals more than Real Madrid in the first 29 league games of the season, while also conceding one goal fewer. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • King, who recently turned 70, admitted she had been terrified of flying but found courage through the mission's extensive preparation.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Typically seen as a safe haven asset in times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, gold succumbed to the aftershock of Trump’s policy seesawing in recent days before rallying 1.7% to around $3,228 an ounce on Friday morning.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Within a fortnight, a farmer in rural Georgia is hospitalized with a high fever and vomiting blood; a week later his son in San Antonio succumbs, becoming the first U.S. Ebola death.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Brian Tyree Henry confessed to breaking his own cardinal rule of not returning to television in order to star in Apple TV+’s crime drama Dope Thief.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Ninety percent of British women and nonbinary people polled in 2020 confessed to sometimes using filters before posting selfies, and 85 percent to using external editing software such as FaceTune to tweak pictures of themselves.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • People who submitted a DNA sample to 23andMe for genetic testing can get that data deleted, something Washington state officials are highlighting after the company filed for bankruptcy last month.
    Melissa Santos, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Nearly 140 local artists then submitted original designs with personal statements explaining the image and themes used.
    Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This could signal a more calculated, region-specific approach — one that acknowledges price sensitivity in certain segments and the importance of maintaining U.S. market share.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The sheriff of Island County, Mark Brown, apologized to Fred and acknowledged, in a public report, that his own staff was responsible.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the Brewers allowed 36 runs, surrendering 15 home runs, as the Yanks swept the three games.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Michael Busch drove an elevated fastball into the seats, the first extra-base hit Sasaki had surrendered all season.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In an exciting Instagram post on Wednesday (April 9), the West Coast icon and league owner revealed that the eight-time NBA All-Star has agreed to join the BIG3 league for one final season as a professional basketball player.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In a billion dollar deal that shakes up the world of luxury fashion, Prada has agreed to buy Versace from its owner Capri Holdings.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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